Claude Wayne Doc Holsclaw, 79, was reported missing from Brookford, North Carolina, after concern grew in the summer of 2026. A welfare check on July 16 led investigators to pursue several leads; an early tip that he might have traveled to the mountains with a friend was later superseded by information that raised suspicion and prompted the Brookford Police Chief to request the State Bureau of Investigation’s help.

A search warrant executed on July 20 at a property on 4th Street Place Southwest in Hickory produced human remains. An autopsy identified the remains as Holsclaw’s and concluded he likely died of a gunshot wound to the head about a month before he was reported missing. Authorities charged 34-year-old Joshua Ray Begley, who lived on the same property, with murder, concealment of death, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. On July 31, 33-year-old Adam Kyle Ramsey of Brookford was arrested and charged with felony accessory after the fact to murder and felony concealment of death.

Begley has told the court that Holsclaw was elderly, in pain, and had wanted to die, claiming he assisted; prosecutors say that account does not hold up. Both men are being held without bond and the matter is proceeding through the courts. If anyone knew Holsclaw, his movements that summer, or has information about the property on 4th Street Place Southwest, please come forward.

Claude Wayne "Doc" Holsclaw, reported missing in mid-July 2026, had human remains found on July 20 on a property on 4th Street Place SW in Hickory while Brookford PD and the SBI were searching the area. Detectives said the remains were discovered around 8 p.m. and were sent to the NC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for ID and to determine cause and manner of death, and investigators said foul play is suspected, smh.

Police later named suspects and made arrests, but at this stage the investigation is ongoing and charges/proceedings are moving thru the courts. Hoping Doc's family gets answers and justice 🙏 dont take this lightly.